IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Essay types and questions

There are several types of essays in Academic Writing Task 2, each of them has its own structure, questions and writing specifics.

There are several types of essays in Academic Writing Task 2, each of them has its own structure, questions and writing specifics.

Task 2 looks like this:
(Topic inside the square changes).

Here are IELTS Essays questions

Opinion Essay
To what extent do you agree with this statement? How far do you agree or disagree?
After leaving school or university, young people should choose a job or career that they love, rather than one that pays the best salary.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Structure and template: Agree or Disagree Essay

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion
Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Structure and template: Discuss 2 Views + Your Opinion Essay

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
What are the advantages and disadvantages…?
Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Structure and template: Advantages / Disadvantages Essay

Two Question (Mixed) Essay
What are the possible causes of this situation? Is this a negative or positive development? Why is this so and do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Today a lot of different cultures and ethnic groups live together in one country. Why is this so and do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Universities should provide students with the skills they will require in order to succeed at their future jobs.
How far do you agree or disagree with the above opinion?
What are some of the job skills that employers look for in new employees?

Problem-Solution Essay
What are the problems and what solutions can you suggest for solving these problems?
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
People who live in big cities face a range of problems in their daily life. What are the main problems people in cities have, and how can these problems be solved?

Cause-Solution Essay
What are the reasons for this, and how can the problem be tackled/solved?
Housing and accommodation has become a major problem in many countries around the world.
What are some of the main factors that have contributed to this problem?
What can be done to help reduce the number of homeless people?

Many offenders commit more crimes after serving the first punishment. Why is this happening, and what measures can be taken to solve the problem?

Positive or Negative Development
Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online.
Is this a positive or negative development?

Structure and template: Positive / Negative Development Essay